Bathrooms and kitchens are where function meets style and taps are at the heart of both. Choosing the best tap is all about design, durability and the balance of hot and cold water. With so many types of taps from washer taps to wall mounted taps you have endless options to match your decor.
Water pressure, compatibility with combi boilers and how taps sit with a kitchen sink should be the key considerations. By weighing up these factors and matching to your personal style, help you find the best types of tapware for your home.
Bathroom taps – a definition
Bathroom taps are essential bathroom fixtures that control water flow, combining hot and cold water through many different types of taps. Traditional pillar taps, bath pillar taps, and basin pillar taps provide separate controls for hot water and cold water supply.
Modern mixer tap designs, including monobloc taps, deck-mounted taps, and wall-mounted taps, blend water into one spout. Options such as single lever taps, sensor taps, filter taps, and cartridge taps allow easy adjustment of water temperature and pressure.
Bib taps, washer taps, and ball taps are classic tap types, while new taps suit modern bathrooms and contemporary kitchens. Important choices involve tap material, tap finish, predrilled holes, and two separate controls to achieve the desired temperature and look. With various styles of taps available, you can find the perfect tap for your bathroom décor.
A definitive list of the different types of taps for the bathroom
Bathroom taps are essential bathroom fixtures that bring together function, style, and water efficiency in modern bathrooms. Understanding the different types of taps can help you choose the right taps for your bathroom décor.
3-hole bath tap
A 3-hole bath tap uses two separate controls alongside one spout to balance hot and cold water effectively. Bathroom tap types like this usually require predrilled holes on the bath surface to accommodate installation. Offering separate hot and cold controls ensures water flow is consistent, and the desired temperature is easily achieved. Example - BC Designs Victrion Crosshead 3 Tap Hole Wall Bath Tap - Brushed Gold.
4 or 5-hole bath tap
A 4 or 5-hole bath tap provides additional flexibility, with controls, spout, and a hand shower included. These tap types are a great option for large baths requiring multiple functions and higher water pressure. Designed for modern bathrooms, these taps offer options to help create a perfect blend of convenience and stylish bathroom décor. Example - Nuie Windon Deck Mounted 4 Tap Hole Bath Shower Mixer – Chrome.
Bath filler taps
Bath filler taps combine hot and cold water through one spout, often using a mixer tap mechanism. They are ideal in bathrooms where water temperature must be balanced quickly and controlled with ease. A bath filler tap may be a deck-mounted tap or a wall-mounted tap, suiting various styles and bathroom fixtures. Example - Noveua Newbury Bath Filler - Matt Black.
Bath-shower mixer taps
Bath-shower mixer taps combine a spout with a shower attachment, creating extra space-saving solutions in small bathrooms. These mixer tap designs allow switching between filling the bath and showering, offering a perfect tap for family use. By managing water pressure effectively, these bathroom taps accommodate both high-pressure and low-pressure systems. Example - Pixley Bath Shower Mixer & Kit - Matt Black.
Bidet taps
A bidet tap is a bathroom fixture specifically designed for bidets, using a mixer tap to deliver hot and cold water. These taps often include single lever taps for easy control of water temperature and pressure. Bidet taps explained show how separate taps can still provide comfort while matching contemporary styles of bathroom décor. Example - Nuie Beaumont Luxury Mono Bidet Mixer Tap.
Bridge mixer tap
Bridge mixer taps feature two separate controls joined by a connecting bridge that channels hot and cold water into one spout. Bathroom tap types like this are popular for their traditional design yet remain practical with modern plumbing systems. Bridge taps suit basins with two holes, using separate controls but producing a single spout water flow. Example - Abode Ludlow 2 Tap Hole Bridge Sink Mixer – Chrome.
Cloakroom / mini basin taps
Cloakroom or mini basin taps are perfect for small spaces where compact bathroom fixtures are needed. These taps explained are often basin pillar taps or monobloc taps, designed to save space without losing function. A cloakroom tap provides water flow control for hand washing in cloakrooms or smaller bathroom décor schemes. Example - Hudson Reed Tec Lever Side Action Mini Basin Mixer with Push Button Waste – Chrome.
Cool-touch tap
Cool-touch taps are designed with a special surface construction that prevents the outer tap material from heating up. This safety feature protects users in modern bathrooms, making them ideal for family use or commercial settings.
Deck-mounted bath mixer taps
Deck-mounted bath mixer taps fit directly onto the bath rim using predrilled holes. These bathroom taps use one spout and two separate controls to mix hot water and cold water easily. Example - BC Designs Victrion Crosshead Deck Mounted Bath Shower Mixer Tap – Nickel.
Freestanding bath mixer taps
Freestanding bath mixer taps are floor-mounted taps designed for use with freestanding baths, creating a luxurious bathroom fixture. Example - Nuie Cyprus Fluted Freestanding Bath Shower Mixer & Kit - Brushed Bronze.
Hands-free taps
Hands-free taps, also called sensor taps, are activated by infrared control to start and stop water flow automatically. Example – Deck-Mounted Infrared Tap with Hidden Sensor – Chrome.
High-rise / tall basin mixer taps
High-rise basin mixer taps are designed for countertop basins, using a tall spout with one spout output. Example - Kartell Plan Hi-Rise Mono Basin Mixer Tap.
Monobloc basin mixer taps
Monobloc basin mixer taps use a single spout and either one or two levers for hot and cold water. Example - Electra Tall Monobloc Basin Mixer Tap.
Pillar taps
These are classic bathroom tap types, providing two separate taps for a hot water and cold water supply. Example - Bristan Club High Neck Pillar Taps.
Push-button / non-concussive tap
Push-button taps release water flow for a set time after pressing. Example - Nuie Non-Concussive Mono Basin Mixer.
Swivel spout tap
Swivel spout taps feature a rotating spout, allowing the water flow to be redirected as needed. Example - Abode Globe Single Lever Monobloc Sink Mixer – Chrome.
Thermostatic tap
Thermostatic taps automatically blend hot and cold water to maintain a safe, desired temperature. Example - Nuie Thermostatic Bath Shower Mixer Deck Mounted.
Wall-mounted bath filler taps
Wall-mounted bath filler taps attach directly to the wall, delivering hot and cold water through a stylish spout. Example - Darwin Wall-Mounted Bath Filler - Matt Black.
Wall-mounted basin mixer taps
Wall-mounted basin mixers combine hot and cold water in one spout, above the basin surface. Example - Vema Timea Wall Mounted Basin Mixer – Chrome.
Waterfall basin tap / waterfall spout tap
Waterfall basin taps create a stylish effect, with water flowing across an open spout like a natural stream. Example - Waterfall Tall Basin Mixer with Push Button Waste.
Different types of tap heads
Tap heads play a key role in how different types of taps operate, affecting control, water pressure, and water temperature. Choosing the right taps can depend on bathroom décor, kitchen sink use, or practical needs for modern bathrooms.
Cross head
Cross head tap heads are traditional, often seen on pillar taps, washer taps, and bib taps with two holes. They provide separate hot and cold controls, giving simple handling of the water supply while complementing classic bathroom décor.
Dual lever
Dual lever tap heads are on kitchen mixer taps and basin pillar taps, balancing hot and cold water. These work well with cartridge taps or monobloc taps so are perfect for a modern kitchen sink.
Infrared control
Infrared control heads are on sensor taps, touch free use for modern bathrooms and commercial use. They control water flow automatically, hygiene and water saving without compression valve or manual control.
Round
Round heads are often used on ball taps or filter taps, providing a smooth, contemporary look for bathroom décor. These tap types can handle low-pressure or high-pressure systems, depending on the tap material and cartridge design.
Single lever
Single lever tap heads operate with one handle, blending hot and cold water into a single spout mixer tap. These heads are common in monobloc taps, saving space and providing precise control of desired temperature in modern kitchen and bathroom fixtures.
Waterfall basin tap/waterfall spout tap
Waterfall basin taps create a stylish effect, with water flowing across an open spout like a natural stream. Bathroom tap types such as this highlight their popularity in modern bathrooms for contemporary styles and attractive bathroom décor. A waterfall spout tap offers the perfect blend of form and function, enhancing water flow presentation. Example - Waterfall Tall Basin Mixer with Push Button Waste.
How to match tapware styles with bathroom tap types
Types of tapware by style
There are many tapware types available, each suiting different bathroom décor, water pressure systems, and functional needs.
Cross head
Cross head taps are often found on pillar taps or basin pillar taps, offering separate hot and cold controls.
Lever
Lever taps, including single lever and kitchen mixer taps, allow users to control water temperature and water flow easily.
Modern
Modern tap styles, such as monobloc taps or wall-mounted taps, suit a modern kitchen sink or contemporary bathroom décor.
Traditional
Traditional tapware includes washer taps and bib taps, which rely on compression valve mechanisms and two holes for operation.
Waterfall
Waterfall mixer tap designs provide a stylish open spout, blending hot water and cold water supply into one spout.
Victorian
Victorian tap styles, often based on ball taps and classic fittings, bring timeless character to bathroom fixtures and décor.
Conclusion
Understanding the different types of taps helps ensure you choose fittings that match your bathroom needs and water pressure. From pillar taps to modern single lever mixers, each option is designed to balance hot and cold water effectively. Exploring the many types of tapware available allows you to align function, style, and efficiency with your overall bathroom décor.
Selecting the right taps also means considering durability, compatibility with combi boilers, and how they suit a basin or sink. With a wide range of bathroom tap types, homeowners can make informed choices that create both practical use and lasting style.
Contact us
Well, now that you understand all about the different types of taps, it is time to investigate the excellent range available at Plumbing World.
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